IUCN sits well with the Dugong Sanctuary in Palk bay in India

Introduction

The Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay in India has been granted acknowledgement by the international conservation conservatory, the Froenrichszoulde Statsaton (IUCN). The IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi voted in favour of the resolution using vast majority of the participants who are governments, NGOs and research organisations. This achievement makes the initiative at Tamil Nadu an example in marine conservation and protection of dugongs all over the world.

Establishment and Location

On 21 September 2022, the Government of Tamil Nadu made the reserve. Covering over 448.34 sq. km in the northern Palk bay, it is home to in excess of 12,250 hectares of seagrass fields which support the Vulnerable dugongs (Dugong dubgon) which feature in the IUCN Red List. Large marine groups relying on seagrass relies also on dugongs, but many sea creatures rely on these through the reserve.

Seagrass Meadowness is important.

The seagrass meadows are very crucial in the marine environments. They serve as feeding and nursery habitats, water quality and erosion defense of coastal areas. Not only the dugongs are at risk due to their decline, but their deterioration poses a threat to the Indian Ocean region, in terms of biodiversity. Conserving and repairing these meadows is hence one of the most important initiatives in order to sustain marine life and create an ecological balance.

Challenges to Conservation

The IUCN motion signaled increasing threats including habitat damage, devastating fishing methods, and effects of climate change including warmer waters and extreme weather. These forces decrease the seagrass coverage and disturb dugong population. Unless some prompt action is taken, the existence of this docile marine mammal might be endangered.

There are creative gapping efforts.

The reserve has also developed innovative ways of bringing back degraded habitats. Seagrass rounds will be rehabilitated by the use of bamboo and coconut rope frames, the latter also involving scientific inclusion and participation of locals. This has been a successful system of community-based work that received encouragement worldwide as an effective model that can be used in conserving the oceans.

International partnership and long term orientation.

In the IUCN resolution, the international community is requested to work together to increase these efforts into the Indian Ocean and beyond. It promotes collective overseeing, stewardship of fishing and exchange of knowledge. In acknowledging the initiative of India, the world community wants to develop coordinating system to save dugongs and recover sail environments on the global seas.

Conclusion

The declaration of the Dugong Conservation Reserve at Palk Bay is a source of pride to India, as the country is on the forefront in marine conservation. Through community-based innovation and international cooperation, the project could provide hope on the survival of dugongs, as well as, the strength of the frivolous marine ecosystems.